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ACTinBlack Launches THE14

September 6th, 2021

ACTinBlack Europe S.à r.l, is very excited to be releasing the latest addition to the ACTinBlack family: THE14.

A dedicated team, specialized in electronics, mechanics and optics have developed the robust monocular THE14. Thanks to the continuous feedback from the company’s partners and end users, ACTinBlack has rethought night vision monoculars with a more modern approach of all aspects of a monocular.

THE14 Monocular combines lightweight materials to create the lightest PVS-14 type compatible monocular at 9 oz / 255g while still using standard 18mm image intensifier tubes. At no compromises in functionality it features manual gain, automatic flip up shut-off, IR illuminator, low battery indicator highlight cut-off while still utilize the same control pattern.

Furthermore, THE14 has a 66ft / 20m for 2h submersion rating which is tested for every single housing to ensure quality.

The monocular can be mounted to combat helmets or weapons, which enables night vision capabilities to daytime optical sights.

THE14 is certified to the MIL-STD-810G for environmental, drop and other relevant criteria.

THE14 is fully compatible to all PVS-14 type accessories, optics and image intensifier tubes making it a new standard for monocular night vision systems without requiring a replacement of existing accessories.

www.actinblack.com

Posted in International, Optics, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Jankel Establishes Major UK Military Vehicle Production Capability in the Midlands

September 6th, 2021

Jankel, a world-leader in the design and manufacture of high-specification defence, security and NGO protection systems, has announced the establishment of a major new UK-based military vehicle production capability. Situated in Coventry in the Midlands the new production line sits in the heart of the UK’s traditional automotive manufacturing hub and is surrounded by an extensive and comprehensive automotive supply chain within easy logistic reach. The new set-up delivers 3600 square meters of open plan floor space supported by 1500 square meters of stores and offices that can be configured to manufacture military vehicles of various types at significantly improved rates over that previously achieved by Jankel.

The establishment of this capability comes off the back of several major vehicle contract wins including the Belgium MOD’s (BeMOD) new Light Tactical Transport Vehicle (LTTV). All 199 LTTV vehicles will be assembled on the new line prior to export. At the same time, Jankel’s other UK production facilities in Rustington and Weybridge will be working to deliver a number of other specialist defence and security sector vehicle orders that have been announced recently or are due to be announced in the near future. On a global level, Jankel also have a significant manufacturing capability in USA.

The establishment of the new Midlands production capability reinforces Jankel’s position as one of the very few UK-based military vehicle companies that can deliver immediate on-shore production of large vehicle orders to the demanding quality standards required of the defence and security sectors. With a total floor space of over 10,000 square meters split across three major sites, Jankel can deliver multiple production programs concurrently, supporting both the UK MoD and export customers, whilst creating and sustaining important skilled jobs in UK.

Andrew Jankel, Chairman at Jankel said: “I’m delighted to be able to announce the establishment of our new production capability that will take us to the next level in terms of UK-based military vehicle production capacity, underlining our successful growth strategy”. He added: “Jankel is one of a very few small to medium (SME) UK defence focussed companies left that is winning global vehicle contracts; designed, developed, built and supported in Britain. We remain focused on innovative, fast and cost-effective product development using and sustaining traditional skills that are becoming harder to find in the UK – Driving Mission Success”.

Jankel will be exhibiting at DSEi in London 14-17 September 2021 on stand H4-580.

Posted in International, Mobility, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Spuhr Ideal Chassis System

September 6th, 2021

Sweden (September 6, 2021) – Spuhr i Dalby AB (Spuhr®) is introducing the Spuhr Ideal Chassis System (SICS) to the North American market.

Mr. Ulf Nilsson, CEO, says, “This is a project we’re extremely proud of. The Spuhr Ideal Chassis system, or ‘6’ for short, has been the company’s main focus for the past 18 months. The SICSTM was designed around the concepts of modularity, stability, innovation, and quality.”

Integrating the Spuhr InterfaceTM into a chassis system allows the user to position accessories originally designed for the Spuhr Ideal Scope Mount SystemTM (ISMSTM) at various positions on the rifle system, combined with an exchangeable handguard and bag rider, provides unsurpassed modularity.

Machined from aircraft aluminum, with the sole synthetic parts being the rubberized pistol grip, cheek piece, and a Limbsaver® Airtech® recoil pad, the SICSTM offers an extremely rigid shooting platform.

An innovative, and patented, quick-adjustable Length of Pull (LOP) allows the user to instantly adjust the LOP when shifting from one shooting position to another. The SICSTM also features LOP Presets so that the user can tailor his maximum and minimum Length of Pull. Integrated into the standard 16-inch forend is an Arca Swiss® rail for use with bipods and tripods, but even this part of the chassis still accepts Spuhr InterfaceTM accessories.

As always, quality has been a priority, where the SICSTM does not feature any sharp edges while featuring the same high quality black anodizing known from the Spuhr Hunting Series mounts and rings (other colors will be available.)

The first versions released will be for the Remington 700 and Tikka T3/T3x short action footprints, for use with AICS magazines. Pre-orders for the North American market will be accepted starting September 27th.

www.spuhr.com

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Matador Upgrades Packable Adventure with Latest Additions to Advanced Series

September 6th, 2021

BOULDER, Colo. (Sept. 1, 2021) – Matador Travel Equipment, the award-winning producer of high-performance travel equipment, today introduced five new products to its Advanced Series, a collection of the brand’s most ultralight, compact, weatherproof travel bags. The launch includes significant updates to several of Matador’s award-winning products, as well as brand-new product releases. The Matador Advanced Series features cutting-edge materials, proprietary coatings, and efficient designs for an ideal balance of performance, packability and durability.

“Travel is finally coming back and we have the products you need for your first foray back out there,” said Chris Clearman, Founder and CEO of Matador. “We’ve updated the Advanced Series with the latest industry-leading materials and technology, offering packable products that perform at an elite level.”

The new Advanced Series products feature high-wear panels reinforced with UHMWPE (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene), which delivers an exceptionally high strength-to-weight ratio. Because of its molecular makeup, UHMWPE-reinforced fibers have a strength-to-weight ratio that is seven times stronger than structural steel and three-to-four times stronger than traditional nylon fibers, offering a nearly infallible ripstop effect. The fabric has additionally been treated with a UTS coating for added weatherproofing and durability.

The new Advanced Series lineup includes:

•Freerain28 Waterproof Packable Backpack – A fully waterproof, 28-liter pack, with alpine-ready features such as hydration compatibility, gear loops, shockcord captures for tools, a pocketed hip belt, a sternum strap, and weight-distributing shoulder straps. A roll-top closure yields a fully waterproof main compartment, and the pack can be stowed in the included mesh compression sack for compact travel.

•Freerain22 Waterproof Packable Backpack – A fully waterproof, 22-liter pack, with alpine-ready features such as oversized water bottle pockets, gear loops, shockcord captures for tools, a sternum strap, a removeable hip belt, and weight-distributing shoulder straps. A roll-top closure yields a fully waterproof main compartment, and the pack can be stowed in the included mesh compression sack for compact travel.

•Freefly16 Packable Backpack (updated) – A weatherproof daypack that compresses for travel, with alpine-ready features such as gear loops, a shockcord capture for tools, buckle compression straps, a sternum strap, and weight-distributing shoulder straps. Sealed seams and sealing zippers yield a weatherproof design, and the pack can be stowed in the included mesh compression sack for compact travel.

•Freefly Packable Duffle – A weatherproof, 30-liter duffle bag with features such as an extra-long main compartment zipper, front and back pockets for added organization options, an adjustable shoulder strap, multiple grab handles, and buckle-closure compression straps that can be configured into a backpack carry or secured to cargo racks. The bag can be stowed in an inverted front pocket or compressed further into the included mesh compression sack.

•Freerain Waterproof Packable Hip Pack – A fully waterproof, hands-free place to keep valuables close by and protected from the elements. The Hip Pack features an adjustable belt for carrying on-waist or cross-body as a sling. The main compartment features an integrated zipper for fast access, along with a roll-top closure for full waterproofing. The pack can be stowed in an inverted front pocket or compressed into the included mesh compression sack.

“The use cases for the Advanced Series are endless – summit bags for expeditions, daypacks for adventure travel, or even just housing souvenirs if you bring home more than you arrived with,” continued Clearman. “Not matter what adventures you have planned, you can trust that the Advanced Series will handle the most rugged of elements.”

The Matador Freerain28 (MSRP: $124.99), Freerain22 (MSRP: $99.99), Freefly16 (MSRP: $79.99), Freefly Duffle (MSRP: $84.99), and Freerain Hip Pack (MSRP: $59.99) are available now at select retailers and online at www.matadorup.com.

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NEXCOM Participates in Virtual Textile and Clothing Technology Workshop

September 6th, 2021

The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), its business line Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility (NCTRF) and its parent command, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) executed its first virtual webinar from Aug. 25-26, highlighting textile and uniform technology area. The workshop encompassed over 100 participants within industry and academia.

A number of NEXCOM leaders participated in a variety of information sessions and a panel discussion titled, ‘Demystify doing Business with Clothing and Textiles for NAVSUP, NEXCOM and NCTRF.’ NEXCOM leadership who participated in the two-day webinar included Laurra Winters, Director, NCTRF; Navy Cdr. Terri Gabriel, Deputy Commander Uniform Programs; Rich Honiball, Executive Vice President, Global Merchandising and Marketing Officer; and serving as keynote speaker, retired Navy Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, CEO, NEXCOM.

Serving for nearly 30 years in uniform as a Navy Supply Corps Officer, Bianchi shared with the group his sentiment and the importance of a safe, comfortable and functional uniform. “One can say that the readiness of our Navy warfighters intrinsically starts with the uniform that’s on their back and the gear they carry,” stated Bianchi. “There is plenty of ongoing research and development being accomplished in the areas of seamless knitting, cold weather gear experimentation and NWU Type III design refinement—just to name a few. But make no mistake, all of the advancements in uniforms and protective gear has at its foundation a strong partnership with industry, in particular the clothing and textile industrial base.”

The two-day webinar featured discussions on new and emerging technologies, as well as concepts and the importance of the textile industrial base to military uniforms and gear. The workshop was hosted by the Naval-X Northeast Tech Bridge, 401 Tech Bridge, the Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network and the North Carolina Military Business Center. The group discussed opportunities for small business development, to address current capability gaps in textiles for uniform and protective clothing, and collaboration areas with industry and academia. NEXCOM’s participating leadership emphasized their commitment to establishing and maintaining close relationships with industry leaders and explained that such forums can help accelerate the connection.

Bianchi described two recent examples of successes where industry and NCTRF partnered to improve the safety and function of uniform and organizational components for the Navy fleet— the steam suit for submariners resulting in a new design and materials currently transitioning and the I Boot-5 for Navy warfighters which will meet the requirements to be worn in a variety of Navy environments.

“Events like this collaborative workshop serve an important role in highlighting the importance of building military/industry partnerships,” explained Bianchi. “I am optimistic about the future of clothing and textiles…whether research, design, testing, commercial manufacturing, or academia, all play a very important role to ensure our Navy warfighters never enter a fair fight—we always want the advantage, and are truly the world’s best Naval fighting force because of everyone’s contributions!”

Quick Facts

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GoRuck – Heritage Jump Boot

September 5th, 2021

GoRuck has expanded their footwear line with the upcoming Heritage Jump Boot which is a modern boot based on design cues from the World War II-era jump boot.

Built on their MACV-1 platform with its wide toe box, the 8″ upper is crafted from premium full grain leather that is Aniline Tanned. For lacing, look for a combination of eyelets and barrels. Like the classic, there’s a capped toe, but the Heritage Jump Boot goes one step further with a rubber toe wrap.

The Lightweight EVA midsole is paired with a -traction rubber outsole, featuring a 13mm heel-to-toe drop. You’ll also find drain holes like the on the jungle boot.

Sizes 4-15 with half-sizes stopping at 13.

Pre-order now for shipping in 1st Quarter of 2022 but better hurry because pre-orders close 7 September.

www.goruck.com/products/heritage-jump-boots

Made in Vietnam

Posted in Boots | 9 Comments »

SCUBAPRO Sunday – The Navy SeaBees

September 5th, 2021

On September 1, 1942, the first Seabee unit to serve in a combat area, the Sixth Naval Construction Battalion (SeaBees), arrives on Guadalcanal.

I will not tell the story as there is a movie (with John Wayne, one of the seven he dies in), and I am posting a link at the bottom of an excellent article about them. I am going to say that Navy Seabees are some of the hardest working people you will ever find. I would rather have 1 Seabee than ten other people. They have built almost all the camps I have lived in since the first gulf war in Saudi Araba in 91 thru Iraq in the 2000s, and they never stop working on them to making them better. They build, they fight; you can ask them for something, and they will find it, they may be borrowing it, or they will make it. Indeed, some of the unsung heroes of the military.

Happy Birthday!

www.seabeesmuseum.com/seabee-history

archive.org/details/FightingSeabees44

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Catalog – 2021 Black Diamond Trail Run

September 5th, 2021

Check out the all-new 2021 Black Diamond Trail Run catalog. Featuring a curated collection of their latest trail running equipment and apparel, this catalog is packed with stunning photography and details on the gear you need to run the distance.

catalog.blackdiamondequipment.com/view/519458080

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